Sugar Rush received the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Horse of the Year award supported by My Pension Expert at the 2026 Jockey Club RoR Awards which took place at Cheltenham Racecourse last Saturday (24 January).
The 14-year-old flat racehorse, who never raced and was taken out of training by Michael Bell after seven months, has been hugely successful in his new home with Daisy Adamson.
The pair has competed in polocrosse and polo, showjumped, evented at BE100 level and currently compete in advanced medium level dressage.
Partnership of the Year
The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Partnership of the Year Award was won by Durham-based Gemma Potts and her former racehorse Optimal Spirit.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a short racing career before being bought by Gemma in 2015.
The pair competed in dressage, showjumping and eventing before Gemma suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021 which left her tetraplegic and ended her riding career.
Optimal Spirit has supported Gemma since her injury, with Gemma considering their time together as her favourite place to be, as he sees beyond her wheelchair, nudging her hands and feet as their special connection continues to shine.
‘Incredibly rewarding’
“The RoR Awards continue to demonstrate just how much former racehorses can achieve when given the right opportunities after racing,” said David Catlow, managing director of RoR.
“These horses are intelligent, athletic and generous, and the stories celebrated here reflect the strength of the partnerships built with their owners and riders. It is incredibly rewarding to see former racehorses thriving across so many disciplines, and these awards shine a light on what is possible.”
Royal presence
The awards ceremony was opened by RoR patron Zara Tindall and was hosted by Hannah Baycroft. More than 230 guests from across the racing and equestrian communities attended the event, which took place on Festival Trials Day.
The Awards showcased the extraordinary versatility of former racehorses across a wide range of disciplines, as well as the dedication of the owners, riders and trainers who guide them into fulfilling second careers.
Throughout the ceremony, guests heard inspiring and often moving stories from the award winners, underlining the positive impact of thoughtful retraining and lifelong care.
“This year’s RoR Awards were a brilliant celebration of everything the charity stands for,” said Zara.
“The finalists and winners across all the awards, were outstanding – every story is a reminder of what can be achieved with the right support.
“It is always amazing to see the special bond between horse and rider, and the love, commitment and expertise that goes into helping former racehorses thrive in their second careers.”
Elite Awards
The ceremony also included the 2025 RoR Elite Awards, further reinforcing the capabilities of retired racehorses to excel in disciplines including dressage, polo, eventing, showjumping, endurance, and showing, at the highest levels.
The 2025 RoR Elite Award winners are:
- RoR Elite Dressage Champion: Gaelic Surprise – owned and ridden by Patricia Haskins
- RoR Elite Polo Champion: Hot Poppy – owned and ridden by Tommy Beresford
- RoR Elite Endurance Champion: Herons Heir – owned and ridden by Shelly Saunt
- Tattersalls RoR Elite Show Series Champion – owned by Diana Taylor and ridden by Rebecca Court
- Tattersalls RoR Supreme Champion: Not at Present – owned and ridden by Molly Sherring
- RoR Elite Eventing Champion: Dream Big – owned and ridden by Emily Ware
- RoR Elite Showjumping Champion: Back to Buxted – owned and ridden by Polly Foster
Image © RoR.
